The Solemnity of Christ the King is the last Sunday in the Liturgical Calendar of Year 
B before the Season of Advent begins, when we embark on our Preparation for Christmas and Christ’s day of birth. In the gospel reading (John 18:33-37) when Pilate asks Jesus if he is “King of the Jews,” Jesus answers, “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” This confuses Pilate who is trying to find out the truth. God’s Kingdom is not about power and influence – it’s about care and compassion, healing and doing our best to help people to flourish. The kingdom of God exists wherever God is present among us in our relationships with others. In the kingdom of God, every person is included. No one is excluded, except those who exclude themselves. We are invited and challenged to be like Christ in our world, not concerned about ourselves and having it our way, but concerned and caring for others, especially the unimportant ones, the marginalised, the sick and all those in need in some way. The Feast of Christ as Universal King is a reminder of a deep truth about our lives, about where true happiness is to be found in how we treat others and are treated in our relationships with others.

This week at Holy Spirit we value justice. Justice, for many people, refers to fairness. We should always be looking to discover ways in which we are called to be people for others. We are called to: show dignity to others; help those in need with the essentials required for a decent life (food, clothing and shelter); pay special attention to the needs of those who are poor; care for one another; care for all that God has made. This week, we pray that our students and families recognise the needs of others, especially those who need our help. A great way to help those in need and make a difference in our own community is to support the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Yesterday, Term 4 leaders and myself attended the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal Launch. This year, SVDP is expecting 600 hampers to go out to families in need in Townsville. With the help of our donations, we are doing our part to help families in need locally. Our hampers will be presented at our Christmas Liturgy in the last week at our Christmas Liturgy. Thank you to all our families for your generosity in advance.

St Vincent De Paul Class Christmas Hamper: This week, classes will begin their collection for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper. Each year we donate Christmas goodies to St Vincent De Paul to distribute to those in need in our community. We ask that all students begin collecting suitable items for the Christmas Hampers. If we all generously put in a little something we end up with quite a large donation to help those less fortunate than ourselves. What better way to open our hearts to those in need this Christmas? These will be presented at our Christmas Liturgy in the last week of school. If we all generously put in a little something, we end up with quite a large donation to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Please do not send in any perishables. In the words of Mayor Jenny Hill at yesterday’s Christmas Appeal Launch, “Let’s make the festive season a brighter one for those less fortunate.”

Lord Jesus, teach me by your example…

Make me, through all of my efforts, be a shining light to all

people and all things around me.

I want to always do things that make you happy.

Look over me and please give me the strength and the

wisdom to continue to do your work on earth.

Amen.

(based upon words from St Vincent)